kris
Member
I am now planning the switch to a dsb for my smaller tank (you've all got me convinced) I know we've discussed this a few times, but I got a couple more not so quick questions. So put your thinking caps on. (of course this may be quite simple and obvious to some of you experienced dsb keepers)
Back in the old days, I was taught that dead spots or anaerobic zones were very bad and to be avoided at all costs by doing your best to keep your bed oxygenated. It was in these dead spots (usually under a ug plate or under rocks that don't get moved) that the dreaded H2S forms that is lethal. I believe it is this sulfide that is usually the culprit in those mysterious established tank "crashes". I also believe that proper maintenace of the cc bed is crucial to avoiding not only the nitrate build up but also the above mentioned H2S.
Those are the things and theories that I have lived by for a very long time--and have kept successful tanks by employing said theories.
Having said that, I'll move on to the questions. Apparently in a DSB we now WANT these dead zones but referred to as 'anoxic" in DSB language. What's the difference??? What keeps a DSB at the perfect O2 level which in my mind can't be totally devoid of it. The denitrifying bacteria have to at least find the O2 in the No3 in order to convert it into N2 and NO2. Right??? or not. Am I wrong ??
Is the grain size really an important factor?? seems to me that the DSB should at least be somewhat permeable --is that possible with the super fine grade sand?? I can't see how it could be, but I'm asking cause I don't actually know. Someone mentioned keeping just the very top level oxygenated and let the bottom level be o2 free. How the heck do you accomplish that?? Or is the slightly larger grain better. Like the aragonite which comes in 1-2 mm. Of course if it too large (like over 2 mm??)then I'm guessing it might as well be cc cause it will trap the debris?? So what is the best grain size??? My other question pertains to ph--is live sand capable of buffering like cc does?? Ok one last question (Thank you for continuing to read this long boring post
) My last one is after you've made the switch should you introduce your cleanup crew right away or wait till it's grown and established itself.??? I'd hate to add them only to have them all starve (although I do have lr) But then I'd hate for my DSB to go stale (is that the right word??) by not having any sifters and such in it.
Thank you VERY much for those of you who actually read this post, and no I won't feel bad if no one replies but of couse I would like some answers from all of you who have DSBs.
The complexity is so perplexing <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />
Back in the old days, I was taught that dead spots or anaerobic zones were very bad and to be avoided at all costs by doing your best to keep your bed oxygenated. It was in these dead spots (usually under a ug plate or under rocks that don't get moved) that the dreaded H2S forms that is lethal. I believe it is this sulfide that is usually the culprit in those mysterious established tank "crashes". I also believe that proper maintenace of the cc bed is crucial to avoiding not only the nitrate build up but also the above mentioned H2S.
Those are the things and theories that I have lived by for a very long time--and have kept successful tanks by employing said theories.
Having said that, I'll move on to the questions. Apparently in a DSB we now WANT these dead zones but referred to as 'anoxic" in DSB language. What's the difference??? What keeps a DSB at the perfect O2 level which in my mind can't be totally devoid of it. The denitrifying bacteria have to at least find the O2 in the No3 in order to convert it into N2 and NO2. Right??? or not. Am I wrong ??
Is the grain size really an important factor?? seems to me that the DSB should at least be somewhat permeable --is that possible with the super fine grade sand?? I can't see how it could be, but I'm asking cause I don't actually know. Someone mentioned keeping just the very top level oxygenated and let the bottom level be o2 free. How the heck do you accomplish that?? Or is the slightly larger grain better. Like the aragonite which comes in 1-2 mm. Of course if it too large (like over 2 mm??)then I'm guessing it might as well be cc cause it will trap the debris?? So what is the best grain size??? My other question pertains to ph--is live sand capable of buffering like cc does?? Ok one last question (Thank you for continuing to read this long boring post
) My last one is after you've made the switch should you introduce your cleanup crew right away or wait till it's grown and established itself.??? I'd hate to add them only to have them all starve (although I do have lr) But then I'd hate for my DSB to go stale (is that the right word??) by not having any sifters and such in it.Thank you VERY much for those of you who actually read this post, and no I won't feel bad if no one replies but of couse I would like some answers from all of you who have DSBs.
The complexity is so perplexing <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />
